Vacuum Attachment

ABSTRACT

A vacuum attachment comprising a housing and a brush rotatably disposed in the housing. A suction chamber is disposed within the housing. The suction chamber comprises an inlet port disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the brush, a venturi and a contacting surface that contacts the outer edge of the brush. The housing is configured to retain a modular drive system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/422,201 filed on Jun. 5, 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/687,152, filed on Jun. 3, 2005 and titled “A Vacuum Assisted Rotating Dust Wand,” which is also hereby incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for cleaning, brushing, and vacuuming. More specifically, the invention relates to a rotating dust wand vacuum attachment.

Historically, there have been many implements used for the removal of household dust. This has included dust cloths, feather dusters, lambs wool dusters, and more recently, synthetic fiber vacuum attachments. These devices rely on the adherent properties of the cloth or brush fiber to collect dust. In the case of brush styled dusters, the dust is collected by an electro-static charge. The brush fibers carry a slight electro-static charge that attracts and holds dust particles. While these devices work to some degree, they are not totally effective in collecting dust from either flat or three-dimensional surfaces. Specifically, the action of using a duster in many cases tends to spread the dust rather than collect the dust. In most cases the dust is simply redistributed into the air and settles onto the dusted surface and surrounding areas.

Dust cloths that have been moistened with any cleaning solution, dust removal compound, or other chemical are difficult to use on delicate surfaces or surfaces that will not tolerate any type of moisture or cleaning chemical, e.g. dusting a fine pleated cloth lampshade would not be practical with a moistened dust cloth. Disposable and reusable dust cloths are time consuming and difficult to use on many surfaces. In addition to the labor factor, there is a cost factor to consider with disposable dust cloths and reusable dust cloths must be periodically washed to keep them in a usable state.

Of specific interest is the cleaning of mini-blinds. Over the past 20 years mini-blinds have become increasingly popular in both the home and office settings. Mini-blinds offer a unique cleaning problem as they contain a great many surfaces that collect dust and are difficult to reach due to the very nature of their construction. Using a dust cloth is a very time consuming approach to mini-blind cleaning, as each separate blade of the blind must be individually wiped down. The use of vacuum attachments greatly decreases the labor factor in cleaning mini-blinds but the design of the mini-blind makes in almost impossible to use a vacuum attachment across the surface of the blind with out dislodging previously collected dust.

Thus, the embodiments of the present invention are directed to dust removal and cleaning methods and apparatus that seek to overcome these and other limitations of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention include a vacuum driven, rotating dust wand/cleaning appliance attachment, that attaches to any standard vacuum cleaner hose in such a manner so as to collect dust from a variety of surfaces and deposit the dust in the incoming air flow of the vacuum cleaner. The present invention improves dust collection efficiency, reduces labor and in general provides a better method for cleaning.

The dynamic nature of the rotating brush and the interface of the brush with the air intake/dust collection port provide a self-cleaning brush that is electro-statically charged upon each rotation of the brush, thus affording a superior cleaning product. In some embodiments, the vacuum attachment comprises housing and a brush rotatably disposed on the housing. A suction chamber is disposed within the housing. The suction chamber comprises an inlet port disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the brush and a contacting surface that contacts the outer edge of the brush.

Thus, the embodiments of present invention comprise a combination of features and advantages that enable substantial enhancement of cleaning and dust collection. These and various other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more detailed understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view showing one side of a vacuum attachment constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view through the mid-section of the vacuum attachment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view through the longitudinal section of the vacuum attachment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view through the longitudinal section of a rotating vacuum attachment of FIG. 1 without showing the gear and impeller for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional clam-shell view of the halves of the housing and component for a rotating vacuum attachment constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional clam-shell view of a component of the rotating vacuum attachment of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the impeller chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, the rotating vacuum attachment 10 comprises a housing 12, brush 14, handle 15, and impeller housing 41. Housing 12 forms a suction chamber 16 and encloses a drive system 18. A hose 20 couples vacuum attachment 10 to the air inlet of a vacuum cleaner 22. Brush 14 comprises a plurality of bristles constructed from a flexible material that retains an electro-static charge. Housing 12 comprises a material, such as a plastic, that enhances the formation of the electro-static charge on bristles when the bristles contact the housing 12. In operation, drive system 18 rotates brush 14 within housing 12. As brush 14 rotates, the bristles of the brush pass in close proximity to suction chamber 16 so that material carried by the brush is removed from the brush and pulled through hose 20 into vacuum cleaner 22.

The interaction between brush 14 and suction chamber 16 is shown in FIG. 2, which is a sectional view of vacuum attachment 10 taken through section line 2-2 as shown in FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 2, suction chamber 16 further comprises inlet port 24, contacting edge 26, contacting surface 28, and non-contacting surface 29. Inlet 24 provides airflow into suction chamber 16. Contacting edge 26 is slightly extended so that the outer edge of brush 14 contacts edge 26 as the brush rotates, so as to help dislodge material from the brush. Contacting surface 28 has a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of brush 14 so that the edge of the brush contacts surface 28. This contact helps generate an electro-static charge that attracts dust particles and other materials to brush 14. Non-contacting surface 29 has a diameter larger than the diameter of brush 14 so that the outer edge of the brush does not contact housing 12 until it engages contacting edge 26 of surface 28.

Therefore, as brush 14 rotates in the direction of arrow 27, the brush contacts surface 28 and an electro-static charge is formed on the brush. As brush 14 passes out of housing 12 and in close proximity to dust particles and other materials, the particles are attracted to and retained on the brush by the electro-static charge. The particles are carried into housing 12 by brush 14 where the flow of air into chamber 16 through inlet port 24 pulls the particles off of the brush and into the chamber. The ends of the bristles of brush 14 engage contacting edge 26 as they pass across inlet port 24 to help dislodge any particles still adhered to the brush. Brush 14 then re-engages contacting surface 28 and the cycle restarts.

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of vacuum attachment 10 comprising housing 12, brush 14, handle 15, and impeller housing 41. Impeller housing 41 includes a chamber that houses one or more impellers 32. Suction chamber 16 is integrally formed with housing 12 and comprises inlet port 24 that extends the longitudinal length of brush 14. A venturi 48 is constructed integral to the suction chamber 16 and is disposed at one end of the suction chamber 16 adjacent the inlet port 24. In certain instances, venturi 48 comprises a constriction, nozzle, narrowing, or reduction in cross-section of the suction chamber 16.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in embodiments, the housing 12 of vacuum attachment 10 comprises two halves 12A, 12B. The illustration shows a cross-section of housing 12 along longitudinal axis A, including a cross-section of impeller housing 41. As illustrated, the first half 12A of the housing contains a first portion 16A of suction chamber. As shown, venturi 48 includes a short venturi 48A and a long venturi 48B. The first portion of suction chamber 16A terminates at a nozzle 40 in the impeller housing 41, via short venturi 48A. Nozzle 40 communicates with a channel 43 in impeller housing 41. The second portion 16B of the suction chamber is disposed in second half 12B of the housing. Suction chamber second portion 16B extends across channel 43 along longitudinal axis A, such that second portion 16B of the suction chamber directs air into nozzle 40, via long venturi 48B. In certain instances, for maintenance purposes, housing 12 may be configured to selectively separate along longitudinal axis A as shown.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the direction of air from short venturi 48A, into long venturi 48B is an additional airflow restriction to increase the airflow velocity directed into nozzle 40. As previously described increased airflow, velocity improves the performance of the vacuum attachment 10 and lowers pressure in suction chamber 16. Additionally, increased airflow into nozzle 40 speeds the rotation of impellers 32 disposed in the impeller chamber 41, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 7, channel 43, circumferentially disposed about the impeller chamber 41, directs air and debris from nozzle 40 to hose connector 30.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view along longitudinal axis A of the impeller housing 41 as viewed from the front. Nozzle 40 is laterally oriented in housing 12. The lateral orientation of nozzle 40 is such that air flows from second portion 16B of suction chamber as illustrated in FIG. 5, into impeller chamber 41 via channel 43. Further, airflow from first portion 16A of suction chamber is directed into second portion of 16B of suction chamber by venturi 48. Short venturi 48A, disposed in first half of housing 12A, is configured to direct airflow from first portion 16A of suction chamber, into long venturi 48B, disposed in second portion 16B of suction chamber.

Venturi 48 is configured to increase the suction of vacuum attachment 10, by changing the pressure differential along the debris flow path through suction chamber 16 and venturi 48 and into the channel 43 and chamber of the impeller housing 41. Venturi 48 decreases the pressure of suction chamber 16 relative to the chamber of impeller housing 41. Decreased pressure in suction chamber 16 improves the cleaning performance of the vacuum attachment 10. As pressure decreases, or suction increases, vacuum attachment 10 is capable of removing larger particles of dust, dirt, or debris from a surface. The venturi 48 in the suction chamber 16 further accelerates airflow into the chamber of impeller housing 41.

Impeller housing 41 is preferably removable from housing 12 with housing 12 being configured to retain removable impeller housing 41. Impeller housing 41 at least partially supports drive system 18. Impeller housing 41 comprises a modular drive system. In certain instances, a modular drive system may decrease cost of manufacture, ease of maintenance, and improve device lifetime. It can be envisioned that removable impeller housing 41 allows access to impellers 32 to remove debris or contaminant lodged in drive system 18.

Referring particularly to FIG. 5, housing 12 is shown configured to retain impeller housing 41. The direction of air from short venturi 48A, into long venturi 48B is an additional airflow restriction to increase the airflow velocity directed into nozzle 40. As previously described increased airflow, velocity improves the performance of the vacuum attachment 10 and lowers pressure in suction chamber 16. Additionally, increased airflow into nozzle 40 speeds the rotation of impellers 32 disposed in the impeller chamber 41, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring again to FIG. 7, channel 43 circumferentially disposed about the impeller chamber 41 directs air and debris from nozzle 40 to hose connector 30. As shown in FIG. 4, impeller housing 41 comprises nozzle 40, channel 43, impeller venturi 31, and hose connector 30. Impeller housing 41 is configured to rotatably support impeller 32. Channel 43 extends circumferentially around the impeller housing 41 and may incorporate nozzle 40. Channel 43 directs airflow across impellers 32. Impeller venturi 31 is a constriction, nozzle, narrowing, or reduction in cross-section of hose connector 30. Impeller venturi 31 is disposed in impeller housing 41 between channel 43 and hose connector 30.

Drive system 18 comprises impellers 32 coupled to transmission 34 that drives shaft 36. Shaft 36 of brush 14 is coupled to transmission 34 and rotatably supported on housing 12 by bushings 38. Impeller housing 41 comprises a means for impeller 32 to be coupled to impeller gear 42 such as a shaft 39 to couple impeller 32 and impeller gear 42 that engages transmission 34.

Referring to FIG. 4, the vacuum attachment 10 is shown with impeller 32 removed to better illustrate channel 43. Housing 12 encloses suction chamber 16 and impeller housing 41. The venturi 48, constructed integral to the suction chamber 16, is a constriction that accelerates the flow of air there through to the outlet nozzle 40. The accelerated airflow enhances the pressure drop within the suction chamber 16 to improve particle collection and retention. The air flows through outlet nozzle 40, through channel 43, around impellers 32, and into impeller venturi 31 for passage through hose connector 30. Outlet nozzle 40, directs the air into impeller chamber 41 and across impeller 32 by channel 43. Channel 43 is constructed circumferentially about impeller chamber 41 in order to direct air into impeller 32. Additionally, channel 43 provides a path for particulate matter about impeller 32 with minimal interference to operation of impeller 32, transmission 34 and brush 14.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, nozzle 40 is in fluid communication with suction chamber 16 via venturi 48. Nozzle 40 directs air, accelerated through venturi 48, from suction chamber 16 into channel 43. Channel 43 directs air towards impeller 32, across impeller 32, around impeller 32 circumferences and/or through impeller 32. It can be envisioned that channel 43 may comprise alternate sizes or shapes in order to direct air to impeller 32 more efficiently. Further, channel 43 may function to improve passage of particulate material and dust through impeller chamber formed by impeller housing 41. Impeller venturi 31 disposed in impeller housing 41 constricts airflow path through hose connector 30. The impeller venturi 31 accelerates the airflow therethrough in order to enhance a pressure differential within the impeller housing 41 and suction chamber 16, via nozzle 40 and venturi 48 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

In operation, suction is applied to hose connector 30 by hose 20 connected to vacuum 22 as are shown in FIG. 1. This suction pulls air through inlet port 24 into suction chamber 16. The venturi 48, constructed integral to the suction chamber 16, is a constriction that accelerates the flow of air therethrough, and enhances the pressure drop within the suction chamber 16. The flow of air then passes through nozzle 40 that directs the flow of air across impellers 32 via channel 43 into hose connector 30. The flow of air across impellers 32 causes the impellers to rotate, which rotates impeller gear 42 of transmission 34 via shaft 39. Impeller gear 42 is engaged with shaft gear 44 such that the rotation of impellers 32 causes rotation of shaft 36 and brush 14. In certain embodiments, transmission 34 is configured so as to rotate brush 14 at a lower rate of rotation than impellers 32. In one example, impellers 32 may rotate at approximately 10,000 revolutions per minute while brush 14 rotates at approximately 3,000 revolutions per minute.

Each rotation of brush 14 brings the tips of the brush bristles into contact with contacting edge 26 and contacting surface 28 of suction chamber 16. This contact, along with the airflow into suction chamber 16, cleans brush 14 and recharges the electro-static charge on the brush with each completed rotation. As dust and other material are picked up by brush 14, those materials are carried to inlet port 24, where the material is dislodged from the brush and pulled into suction chamber 16. The dust and other material from brush 14 are drawn through suction chamber 16 and nozzle 40, across impellers 32, and through impeller venturi 31 to hose 20 to vacuum 22.

Without being limited by any particular theory, the implementation of at least one venturi along the airflow path between the suction chamber 16 and the hose connector 30 improves the performance of the device. The lower pressure in the suction chamber 16 improves the vacuum performance and capture of particulate matter and/or dust. In certain instances, the impellers 32 may be rotated at a higher frequency. As the impeller 32 is coupled to brush 54, the brush 54 rotates at a proportionally higher frequency as controlled by transmission 34.

In certain instances, having vacuum attachment 10 incorporate a self-contained power source, the vacuum attachment is totally portable, reduces the necessity of attaching a vacuum cleaner, makes the vacuum attachment easier to get in to difficult to reach areas and offers the ability of the vacuum attachment to be used where a conventional vacuum cleaner may not be available.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus for cleaning surfaces and the collection of dust and other material. The present invention is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. There are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the present invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It will be appreciated that many other modifications and improvements to the disclosure herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or the inventive concepts herein disclosed. 

1. A vacuum attachment apparatus comprising: an apparatus housing to rotatably supporting a brush; a suction chamber disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the brush rotatably disposed in the apparatus housing; an impeller housing forming an impeller chamber; at least one venturi disposed between the suction chamber and the impeller chamber; and a drive system removably disposed in the housing and driven by the impeller to rotate the brush.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the impeller housing is disposed within the apparatus housing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the impeller housing is in fluid communication with the suction chamber.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the impeller housing is configured for passing particulates therethrough.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one venture includes an upstream venturi disposed in suction chamber adjacent to the drive system.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drive system rotates the brush relative to the housing.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the drive system is at least partially rotated by airflow through the suction chamber.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the drive system is at least partially enhanced by airflow through the upstream venturi.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one venturi includes a downstream venturi located downstream of the modular drive system.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the upstream venturi communicates with a nozzle in the impeller housing.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the impeller housing includes a channel from the at least one venture to an outlet in the impeller housing.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further including another venture at the outlet.
 13. A vacuum attachment apparatus comprising: a brush rotatably disposed in a housing, wherein a portion of the brush contacts the housing; a suction chamber disposed within the housing and comprising an inlet port disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the brush, and a venturi disposed adjacent to the outlet; and a drive system disposed within the housing and coupled to the brush, wherein the drive system rotates the brush relative to the housing.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the venturi is disposed adjacent to the drive system, such that the drive system is at least partially rotated by airflow.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the drive system comprises an impeller coupled to the brush by a transmission, wherein the impeller is rotated by airflow through the venturi.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein airflow through the venturi is generated by a vacuum cleaner coupled to the vacuum attachment apparatus.
 17. A method for constructing a vacuum attachment comprising: forming a housing having a suction chamber comprising a venturi disposed therein; rotatably coupling a brush in the housing so that an outer edge of the brush is disposed adjacent to an inlet port into the suction chamber; and disposing a drive system within the housing, wherein the drive system rotates the brush relative to the housing at least partially by airflow.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the drive system comprises an impeller coupled to the brush by a transmission, wherein the impeller is rotated by airflow through the suction chamber. 